Monthly Archives: April 2009

Outspark news and Events

Secret of the Solstice: Mountable Pets are coming out Wednesday, April 28! Current pets were only able to follow you around and look cute, but now they can do so much more! While riding your pet you will gain a movement speed bonus, a stat bonus, and your pet will be able to assist you in battle, attacking whatever you tell it to! You can even enhance your pets using items from an in-game quest at any town’s alchemist, to boost the amount of stats the pet gives you while riding it.
Project Powder: GM Races and Battles, and Web Store! To celebrate the release of OBT2 for Project Powder, Game Masters are hosting events every day but Wednesday, until Sunday, May 3. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Also, the Web Store, along with the official release is coming early May. Keep an eye out for more announcements!

Alganon: Families Introduction

Families will be an important feature in Alganon for those that wish to join groups above and beyond their guilds. A major theme players look for in a game is flexibility. This is a key feature that gives players another option for grouping with each other.
About Families
 
Being a part of a family in Alganon is a great way to join with players that share similar interests. For example, power gamers can be in the same family and casual gamers can be in their own family. You can switch families for a fee or by completing a certain quest, but only between families for a given race. A Kodian cannot join a Human family, for example. While family names will be displayed by default upon entering the game, you will have the option to turn them off.
 
Each race has five different families, and each family represents a different “theme” that attracts gamers of a specific category. Instantly communicate with your new family, protect your siblings, and establish your family’s name in the history books.
 
1. Achiever – Players focused on building their character, collecting things
2. Competitor – Players who focus on competition
3. Explorer – Players who prefer to explore the game
4. Socializer – Those who prefer social interaction foremost
5. Crafter – Those who prefer to gather, build and sell items
 
Major cities will have Family merchants that sell merchandise just to specific family members. These items are called heirlooms and only affect the player visually. Wedding dresses, tabbards, and even smoking peter pan caps, all types of fun stuff will be available. Different families will have different colors and themes. There are also heirloom pets, such as kittens, frogs, etc. All of these options are based on race and family type.
 
Every family has its own chat channel that all family members can freely participate in. This channel is automatically “made active” when you log into the game. You will be able to disable/remove the channel, but can rejoin it at any time. You can only join their own family’s channel. MyAlganon will have a Family section that lists all the families in the game (for each race) and the members of each family, when they joined, their heirloom status, etc.
 
You can also create guilds and accomplish tasks to be etched in the Great Library’s history books.

Masters of Belial: Major Update

Masters of Belial is a Team PvP Action RPG game similar to Warcraft 3 “AoS” maps “Dota Allstars”, “Age of Myths” and “Hosk”. Players select a hero of their desire and slowly build up in power in their quest for power and domination. Each map is carefully designed to offer a mixture of strategic PvP combat along with good old dungeon crawling.
– New Ladder system ranking players from all over the world based on team and personal achievements.
– Official Dedicated Server Hosting.
– 3 New Maps
– Bot AI
– Revamped spell, item and attribute system.
– New gameplay mechanics such as wells, shrines, last hit and rested bonuses.
– New EasyUse matchmaking interface.
– Improved Engine scalability to support older hardware and take advantage of new ones.(Playable framerate of 20+ on INTEL GPU Laptops and 30+ on 3 year old NVIDIA/ATI Laptops)
– Soft Shadows & Soft Lighting highlights
– Widescreen Support with resolutions up to 1920×1600.
“The first version was made to see, this version was made to please.” said Argi Baltzi founder of Brain Seal. 
 
Masters of Belial 1.1 continues to be a free to download and play with certain account restrictions. Players can upgrade once their accounts to have access to all content including
the new ladder system, all 12 heroes and 3 maps for the price of 12.99EUR (Roughly 16.99$).

Lineage II The Chaotic Throne: Gracia Final

Dev Diary # 3: Clan Updates in Gracia Final
Written by: The Lineage II NCsoft West Team
Clan Updates in Gracia Final
The Gracia Final expansion includes several benefits for Clans in Lineage II.  The clan level cap has been raised to eleven, and provides several key bonuses for clans who can achieve this feat.  Additionally, clans who meet the prerequisites can now control their own airships and can have direct access to the Gracia continent.
 
Clan leaders who own a castle have the ability to expand ownership to an entire territory. Through territory ownership, clans now have the ability to raise their level to eleven. Some of the benefits afforded to those attain this accomplishment include an increase in clan members, strengthening of the Royal Guard, and earning valuable clan skills. 
 
But if leveling your clan is not enough, Gracia Final has also introduced the Rim Pailaka Rune dungeon. For castle and fortress owning clans, this new instant zone will offer a new and exclusive area to explore and master, making residence ownership even more vital to your clan’s success.
 
Another exciting feature in Gracia Final is the addition of clan airships. Clans above level five will have the ability to obtain their own airship. No longer will you have to wait for those public transportation airships to ferry you around Gracia. Take command of your own vessel and pilot an airship so you and others can explore the skies of the Gracia continent!
 
From a new clan level cap with unique features, to taking the helm of a clan airship to explore Gracia first hand, the Gracia Final expansion offers its players a memorable Lineage II experience that will enhance their game play and enjoyment.

2029 Online: Alpha Test Q&A

As IGG gets closer to the Alpha release of 2029 Online, more fun events have been added to the Alpha release schedule. Questions continue to pop up all over the 2029 official forums asking how to enter these events and what prizes are available. So, to streamline their answers, IGG has updated its Q&A to provide the valued advice new players are seeking.
 
Q: I want to participate in the Alpha Test. How can I be invited to receive a CD-Key?
A: We are hosting various events in the forum to give out CD-Keys. You can sign up for these events, win CD-Keys and get into the Alpha test to find out what fun is in store for you. For comprehensive event introductions, please visit official website and forum to get more information.
 
Q: I have noticed that you are giving out Leveling Packages in the forum. Should I sign up to get my hands on one of these packages?
A: Yes. This event is being held to help players who have received CD-Keys enjoy the game to the fullest. If you have activated your CD-Key, you need log into the signup page and leave your email address. We will send the code to you three days before the Alpha test begins.
 
Q: I have received the CD-Key activation code. How can I activate my account?
A: Guides to activate your Alpha testing accounts have been posted on the official site.
 
Q: I have participated in the CD-Key giveaway events. How can I get one?
A: We would love to have everyone participate in Alpha Test. But access to the Alpha Test is limited. If you take part in these events and don’t receive a CD-Key, it is possible that these events have a limited supply of CD-Keys to give out. You must win in competition to snag one. Here is some good news though. There will be more events held to hand out CD-Keys. If you keep participating in these events, you may be among the lucky ones chosen to receive a CD-Key.
 
Q: I have activated my account. Why did I fail to log into the game?
A: We are now in the final run up to the Alpha Test and are focused on fixing the inevitable issues and problems that have arisen from testing. We have added new content and are very eager to see the reaction from our players. We will keep you posted as soon as the Alpha test goes live. To keep you updated with latest 2029 news and Alpha test progress, please visit our official site. You can also head to our forum  to discuss tips and tricks with other players.
 
Q: What kind of prizes will I receive by taking part in Alpha test?
A: All testers’ character data will be removed after the Alpha test has closed.. Leveling Packages are given out to our testers to enable them to advance their characters quickly. Besides, we will give all Alpha testers a weapon worth $50 USD in the closed beta phase.
 
Q: Why am I disconnected from the login sever when I try to log into the forum or official site.
A: Recently we have had some internet problems that will disconnect you from the connection network. But only a very few players will lose their connection when they are trying to log in. We are now fixing these problems.

Galaxy Online: Mystery of Blue Giants

In the vast universe across Galaxy Online hide innumerous huge objects that constantly emit blue rays of light. They are the Blue Giants. Until now they have remained peaceful observers of the chaos engulfing the universe. “An old star containing much energy, reconstructed by some means” – The definition of the Blue Giant has given rise to much speculation. Now all the Galaxy Online players will be witnessing an important transformation of Blue Giant to Star Fortress. This change will create more uncertainty to the battle results, and surely make the game more entertaining.
 
Blue Giants are in fact secret fortresses that look peaceful and quiet on the outside. After a series of intense research, these blue planets can be converted into Star Fortresses that are able to dock friendly fleets and keep them invisible. When hostile fleets intrude into the galaxy, the hidden fleets will appear and attack invading enemies automatically. When the battle ends, all fleets will go back into hiding. To activate Blue Giants requires a great deal of Science points, but their defensive value should never be disregarded. These giant, blue guardians of the galaxy will change the course of the battle within seconds.

Conquer Online: Mother’s Day Events Coming Soon

Mothers make the world go round. Mothers nurture, love, teach, and inspire. Mothers protect and give. On this upcoming Mother’s Day, you mom deserves more than just a “Thanks, mom”. She deserves something special!
 
Need a little help preparing for the big day? Well, don’t bother going out of your head trying to think of something! Check what we’ve got for you!
 
The Sweetest Mother’s Smile
A mother’s smile is the biggest comfort to her child, and it’s the most touching sight in this world! This year, we would like to encourage all the players to show their moms’ most beautiful smiles and share them with us!
 
Mother’s Day Wallpaper & E-Card
The greeting cards! Of course we won’t forget this part! It’s the best way to express your gratitude and love for your mom, isn’t it? The TQ Team will prepare some elaborate E-cards for our players, so they can send them out to their own loving mothers. Also, the Mother’s Day wallpapers are available for our players now!
 
The Mother’s Day Online Event – The Prodigal Son
Filial morality has always been one of the most important Chinese moral and ethical principles. There are many old Chinese stories in history about the bonds between family, and this time, we have a quest adapted from one of them. It’s about a dutiful son, who always gives his mom the best care, even though he might not be the best person. From May, 8th – May, 11th, you can take the quest from the NPC. Big prizes are waiting for you!

Mir 2: Open Beta Begins Today

Gamepot USA, Inc., a free to play online game publisher, announces launch of the Open Beta service for “Mir 2: the Legend Continues (Mir2)” from April 29, 17:00 PST.
In preparation for the Open Beta, the beginners’ guild system has been added and the maximum level has been increased to level 60.  The beginners ‘guild is a unique guild run by the game system for all beginners under level 59 to join, to get extra guild bonus, and to help each other with the game. 
 
If you haven’t had a chance to play Mir2 during the closed beta, the beginners’ guild is where you can get assistance from the user community.  Mir2 will also be featuring a whole new user interface (UI), specially designed for the English service client.  
 
In addition to the new feature of the game, there will be in-game and online game events for all gamers. 
In-game events include GM monster summons, mob raids, and double drop rate.
Online game events are video posting and bug reporting events. 
All event winners will be awarded with in-game cash item at the official launch of the game. 

MegaTen Online Interview: New Insights

Questions by Jeffrey Kerkdijk (Hyarume), Onrpg writer and the Onrpg community
Answered by Spencer Chi, Producer of MegaTen at Aeria Games
 
Onrpg has had the chance to ask some questions to Spencer Chi, producer of MegaTen Online at Aeria games. Megaten is the new game based off the Shin Megami Tensei series, which is known for their popular RPGs, and this new MMORPG is expected to reach plenty of fans and tons of new audiences. Will there be PvP in the future? And how about a crafting system? Read on to find out how our questions are answered!
 
 
Onrpg: How is MegaTen doing at the moment, after its recent release?
 
MegaTen is one of the fastest growing games in the MMORPG industry.  We had a good head start with the devoted Shin Megami Tensei and Persona fans that migrated from their beloved consoles to their PCs to see if the MMO lived up to the hype, and now our players are telling each other about our game, and we have been building up a rather large and fun-loving community.
 
 
Onrpg: What makes MegaTen so different from most MMORPGs?
 
The highlight of MegaTen lies within the Demons and Demon fusing.  Many MMORPGs have rudimentary pet systems, but the one in MegaTen is by far the most advanced.  The Demons are just as strong as the player characters, and they each have their own set of unique skills.  Plus, you can fuse multiple Demons together and form a totally new breed.  The player gets to choose which skills to inherit from the originals adding to the over all level of customization and lasting appeal.
 
In addition, many players will take notice of the style of the game.  Unlike most other MMORPGs, MegaTen doesn’t take place in a medieval universe.  It’s taking place in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo.  The clothing you can equip has defensive properties, but the fashion is that of modern day Japan.  The player characters are distinctly human—Japanese looking teenagers, to be more exact.  The gear/weapons you can obtain ranges from revolvers and katana blades to really obscure weapons like anime-style swords that are bigger than your entire body and weird corkscrew-like drills.  You really have to see it for yourself.
 
Onrpg: According to you, what motivates players to play MegaTen?
 
The MegaTen franchise made the transition from console game to a PC based MMO game.  There is a very deep storyline that pulls players in.  Unlike a console game, we have players running around in the game world from all over the real, physical world.  It’s very easy to team up and make friends in the game, and that is a core aspect of MegaTen’s gameplay design.
 
Onrpg: Will there be any Player versus Player content in the future? If so, how would it work and would it be different from the PvP in most of the other MMORPGs on the market?
 
Yes!  We are going to bring PvP to MegaTen.  It’s something a lot of players have requested.  To stay in the cooperative spirit of MegaTen, battle will be team-based. 
 
In other games, you know immediately what the player will do simply based on your class and his class.  In MegaTen, PvP will have a stronger strategy element compared with other MMORPGs.  Players have the choice of quickly changing their playing style depending on which Demon they’re using. 
 
There will be more than one PvP mode to choose from.  Stay on the look out for our future announcements on this.
 
Onrpg: We have noticed that the running speed is slower compared to the Japanese version of the game; can you explain a bit more about that?
 
The version on our servers is a couple updates behind the Japanese version.  This is because it takes some time to translate the new content to English and test it out before we release it.  In the updates, you’ll see new demons, items, weapons and slight changes to balance gameplay.  We’ll get all the content that the Japanese server gets.  Even though they released it ahead of us, we’re almost caught up in respect to content.
 
For players who want to move around faster, you can get a mountable Demon at level 20.  Then you can just click a spot on your mini-map, and your Demon will automatically carry you there at a faster pace than walking speed permits.
 
Of course, you also have the option of acquiring or purchasing items that teleport you around like the Traesto Stone or Ariadne’s Thread.
 
Onrpg: Are there any plans for Player Housing in the future or similar features?
 
Player housing is an interesting feature, but it’s not on the horizon right now.  As it stands right now, we’ve got a lot on our wish list, and the developer has been very cooperative in supporting us.
 
Onrpg: Is there any community involvement when it comes to events?
 
Our community is the most important thing to us.  Very often, we have our network of Game Sages (player volunteers) come up with cool event ideas, and we try them out.  In our forums, players can suggest events to run, and we are as accommodating as possible.  When we hear a good idea, we will see it through.
 
 
Onrpg: How do you keep players interested while playing the game?
 
We’ve seen that, in MegaTen, players discover what interests them the most and focus primarily on that.  For some, it’s the quests and storyline, for some it’s customizing their character in stylish outfits, some people are all about collecting and fusing all the demons.  The competitive players try to get the fastest times in the dungeon runs. It really is a rather diverse group of gamers.
 
On top of that, we offer daily events run by our Game Master and Game Sage teams. 
 
 
Onrpg: What future content is there planned for MegaTen, any new features or more areas to visit?
 
We are implementing a major update that’s being translated right now that will introduce new Demons, quests given to you by your Demons on a daily basis, and a Demon rebirth feature that allows you start your Demon’s skill set over into a different area. 
 
Onrpg: What do you like the most about MegaTen?
 
For me, it’s Demon Fusing.  I like going out and negotiating with a bunch of Demons, then bringing them all back to town to see what new Demons I can make with the different combinations.  It’s really cool to see one you haven’t seen before.
 
 
Onrpg: Will there be a crafting system?
 
Actually, MegaTen already features a crafting system!  A lot of players may not know about it since it comes later in the game though.  My advice is talk to the Masterly Dwarf NPC in Shinjuku Babel.
 
 
Onrpg: What makes MegaTen different from the console “Shin Megami Tensei” series? And what does it have in common?
 
For starters, you can bump into real people.  If you have difficulty completing a quest, instead of reading about it in an online FAQ or calling a friend, you can have a person help you in-game.  You pick the specializations that interest you, and then you team with other people who round out your party.  If you need an item and can’t find it yourself, you can make friends who will trade with you. 
 
The immersive storyline, the style, and the Demons will be familiar with fans of the Shin Megami Tensei series.  The combat attack system feels a bit more like a blend between console action and PC MMORPG fighting.  Battles happen in real-time so reflex is important, but strategy is also a big part of it.
 
Players are often surprised at the level of quality you can find in a Free to Play MMORPG.  In Asia, this is already a very big industry, so first-class developers like Cave make games at the same level of quality as you’d find in a retail boxed game.  Aeria brings those games to the North American and European markets.
 
 
Onrpg: Will there be any end-game content and can you reveal a bit about this?
 
We don’t have a defined end-game at the moment. You’ll see regularly added expansions to the game, so it’s really just beginning to grow.  MegaTen is a game you can play for months.  Plus, it’s free; there are no subscription or download costs.  If you want to support the game by buying an item in our Item Mall, we very much appreciate that, so we can continue to deliver quality content through updates, new quests and of course, new Demons.  All players can access all the features and quests without having to pay a dime.